INNOVAT3 Connected Communities Meetup
Overview
Discover how technology & community innovation can make San Francisco thrive. Connect, collaborate, and build together. (fka We <3 SF)
🌍 About the Event
Each year, nearly 40,000 people return to the Bay Area from jails and prisons, often with limited access to the resources needed to rebuild stable, meaningful lives. That are at high risk for homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism. With nearly two-thirds of people in the U.S. returning to prison, the question isn’t if change is needed — it’s how we make it real in 2026.
Join us Friday, January 9, at the House of Web3 in the Presidio for the monthly INNOVAT3 Connected Communities Meetup with Dignifi, focused on Innovative Solutions for the Reentry Community.
We invite you to an intimate panel discussion exploring what truly reduces recidivism and supports meaningful reentry. This conversation goes beyond policy to examine the systems, opportunities, and criminal justice reform initiatives required to break the cycle.
This event will bring together active leaders from the justice-impacted community to highlight common reentry barriers the formerly incarcerated face and how community support can combat these issues. Over a light lunch, we’ll explore practical, scalable ideas to build a more equitable and sustainable Bay Area—together.
🌟 Featured Guests & Sponsor
Danny Yoon — Founder, Dignifi
A UC Berkeley graduate with over a decade of experience in data and search, Danny is also a systems-impacted CROP alumnus. His work is driven by a personal and professional commitment to building transformative technology that supports people returning home from incarceration.
Eddy Zheng — Founder, New Breath Foundation
Eddy is the President and Founder of New Breath Foundation, a national philanthropic public foundation mobilizing resources and support for AANHPI communities harmed by mass incarceration, deportation, and systemic violence. As the first formerly incarcerated “juvenile lifer” to lead a public foundation, he has dedicated his life to racial justice, healing, and transformative philanthropy.
Elizabeth Quiroz — Co-Founder, Redemption House
Elizabeth is a human trafficking survivor, published author of Purified in the Flame, and a respected advocate and community leader dedicated to supporting survivors through education, outreach, and systemic reform. She serves on the Sonoma County Human Trafficking Task Force, co-founded the survivor-led nonprofit Redemption House of the Bay Area, and speaks widely on human trafficking, recovery, and criminal justice reform.
Ted Hahs — Founder, INNOVAT3
Ted is a seasoned social entrepreneur and ordained minister who leads conversations on equity, justice, and community transformation as host of the INNOVAT3 Podcast, exploring innovative solutions to homelessness, addiction, human trafficking, and reentry. He partners with nonprofit and faith leaders to serve marginalized communities through collaborative initiatives, mentorship and ministry.
🍴 Lunch Provided
Enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with innovators, community leaders, and changemakers from across the region.
💡 Join the Movement
The INNOVAT3 Connected Communities Meetup (formerly We 💜 SF) brings together technologists, social entrepreneurs, innovators, and faith-motivated leaders who believe collaboration is key to solving the Bay Area’s most pressing challenges.
Let’s reimagine what’s possible—together.
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